West Ham United have been linked with a potential transfer for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, according to a report from Sean Whetstone [via West Ham Football on Twitter].

Moreover, things are expected to progress quickly in regards to Tah’s transfer – the Hammers could secure a deal for the towering German before the end of the week.

It is currently unclear as to how much Tah will cost the Irons. His £17.1 million release clause has recently expired, which will allow the two clubs to be more flexible when negotiating a deal.

In Whetstone’s tweet, he wrote: “New centre back target is much younger than Harry Maguire and is expected to be landed in the next 72 hours. The smart money is on Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen who is 6 foot 5 and 27 years of age.

“He has been offered to West Ham. Last month Bayer Leverkusen confirmed that Tah’s €20 million release clause has expired. Should a club approach Leverkusen about Tah, ‘we could negotiate freely,’ said Bayer Leverkusen managing director for sport Simon Rolfes last month. His current contract runs until 2025.”

Who else, besides West Ham, are interested in a move for Jonathan Tah?

While West Ham are the only club with a major interest in snapping up the German centre-half, there are a couple of other clubs who have tenuous links to sign him.

Nottingham Forest were thought to be interested in Tah before the summer transfer window opened – additionally, Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the player.

Will Jonathan Tah be a better signing than Harry Maguire?

Tah and Harry Maguire are, in several ways, very similar players. Both are commanding, physically-gifted centre-backs – however, Tah is perhaps the more technically astute of the two. Additionally, where Maguire lacks in terms of quickness, Tah excels.

Moreover, the Hammers will likely be able to secure a deal for a cheaper price for Tah than they would have been able to for Maguire.

West Ham currently have four centre-halves on their books – Angelo Ogbonna, Thilo Kehrer, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. David Moyes is keen to add a top-class defender to his ranks before the transfer window slams shut – could Tah be the man he needs?